The annual grand event brings out Pinellas's finest

On Saturday evening, March 20, 2004 , Pinellas County Republican Party’s Executive Committee (PCREC) held it’s annual gala event, the 2004 Lincoln Day Dinner. This years dinner, at the Belleview Biltmore, Largo, brought several dignitaries, hundreds of dedicated supporters and several prominent candidates running for various offices in Pinellas County.

Collectively, the gatherers came together to demonstrate the county’s united support for the reelecting of our great President, George W. Bush, and the party’s platform along with its choices for local offices.  Executive Committee Chairman, Paul J Bedinghaus who greeted attendees en masse and then along with Vice Chairman Gail L. Hebert made special efforts to meet, greet and welcome all attendees.

Notable event officials in attendance, exuding greetings, smiles and warmth were our “constituent committed legislature” (click to view article), the Honorable Bill Young, US Congressman,

Florida’s Senate Majority Leader, the evenings Master of Ceremonies and “Master of Charm”, Senator Dennis Jones, recently honored by St Petersburg College for community contributions, (click to view article)  accompanied by the lovely Susan Jones  and so many more.

Present and accounted for were Deputy Attorney General, John Carassus (L) and Commissioner John Moronni (R), ( click to view article).

Several prominent elected officials seeking either re election or new offices seats and other republicans seeking office for the fist time  pressed their goals and message.

Included among the former group was Pinellas Supervisor of Elections, “the intellectually articulated” Deborah Clark, (click to view article),

 Pinellas Tax Collector, “always earns accolades”, Diane Nelson (click to view article),

the seasoned Mayor of Clearwater, seeking county clerkship “accountable and responsible” Brian Aungst,

the focused Mayor of Redington Shores “makes positive changes happen” JJ Beyrouti with supportive wife Linda, seeking a county commissioner seat. (click to view article),

and experienced business men, Ronnie Duncan “visionary” and Neil Brickfield with wife Kelley “seeking additional state and federal money”. Both seeking a

county commissioner seat.

 Present as well were many local republican club officers and club member including, Jewel Rheinsmith President, RC of Seminole shown with Mayor Beyrouti,

Re elected Erwin Beck, President,  Top of the World RC,

Commissioner Marshall  Reynolds, shares views with  with Vice Chairman Gail Hebert and Congressman Bill Young.

 Not shown, but in attendance were club members Trish Reynolds, June Liggins, Sully Lowe, Michael and Barbara Lombardo, Tony DiAngelo, Ali Boyle, Budd and Caroline Morris and many others.

Candidate for a US Senate seat who was invited by a gracious Master of Charm, Senator Dennis Jones to articulate her bid, from the podium was Sonya March, Air Force Academy Graduate and Jet Pilot who served with honor in the Gulf War

The evening facilitated renewal of old friendships, development of new ones and a bevy of congratulations and promises of support. Some photo highlights of people enjoying camaraderie and friendship during the evening activities. (Below)

Click on Photo to Enlarge

A salute to all